BLACK FOREST — On the map, their homes were marked green, or safe, but not until authorities took down the barricades could they be sure.

One woman was too scared to look around on the drive in, so on edge that she started shaking when she saw black smoke that was just diesel from a bulldozer. One of her neighbors, a retired Denver cop, carried a holstered gun as he checked his neighbors' homes for fire damage or looting, relaying the good news to them by cellphone.

Just south across Hodgen Road, the forest floor was scorched black — a sign of just how close the Black Forest fire had come.

While firefighters Monday continued the grueling work of containing the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history and owners of damaged and destroyed homes were asked to show patience while investigators worked a possible crime scene, a few fortunate property owners were allowed to return after nearly a week of exile.

"Till we got over the last hill, I just had my fingers crossed," said Beverly Stone, who returned to an intact red-brick ranch house and a stand of green pine trees. "I will always give to the fireman's fund."

At a news briefing attended by more residents than media, there was progress to report: 75 percent containment, no further loss of homes, and authorities had "zeroed in" on the point of origin of what is believed to be a human-caused fire that so far has cost $5.5 million to fight.

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The Black Forest fire has burned 14,280 acres, destroyed 502 homes and taken the lives of two people. El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa said the coroner was still working to confirm the victims' identities.

Firefighters' progress, aided by higher humidity and welcome rains, prompted authorities to plan to send about a dozen pieces of equipment elsewhere, including bulldozers and water tenders, said incident commander Rich Harvey of the U.S. Forest Service.

Harvey said firefighters were kept busy overnight Sunday snuffing out three lightning-sparked fires within the perimeter. Still, the battle has shifted from battling flames to the "grind" of mop-up, he said.

"It's another day to build on," said Maketa, who has won praise from many residents for his handling of the disaster.

At the height of the fire, about 40,000 people were ordered out of their homes. About 4,100 people are still listed in the mandatory evacuation zone and about 16,200 in what is still called a pre-evacuation zone.

Maketa explained to residents eager to return that more time was needed in the heart of the destruction — a corridor surrounding Shoup Road — to ensure their safety and evidence preservation.

The sheriff said letting people return now and "trample around" could damage what could be used in a criminal prosecution. He said investigators believe they have determined the point of origin "within feet or yards" and are awaiting arrival of equipment that will help in the process. He would not elaborate.

Maketa said more areas would be open to residents Tuesday and Wednesday but cautioned the many gathered around him for the latest on their property: "You're not going home. You're going to rubble."

On the day the fire blew up, Donna and Jim Johnson fled their 5-acre property driving through a wall of flame, leaving behind a home with brand-new kitchen cabinets and wraparound redwood deck. The home was a total loss.

Donna Johnson has been visiting roadblocks on a regular basis since, hoping for an opening, looking for a chance to sift through the debris for even a coffee cup or a cast-iron skillet — anything.

"I know it's gone, but I want to see it with my own eyes," she said. "I think it will bring closure for me. Then I think it will sink in."

Residents allowed to return Monday live on the northwestern tip of the fire zone known as the rabbit ears, for its shape on the fire map.

"We made it through, and so many people didn't," said Patricia Harris, who has lived 21 years in the wooded area on Colorado Springs' northern edge. "How do we balance joy with the real sorrow we feel?"

Aaron Cariato, a firefighter with Salida Fire and Rescue, checks for any hot spots in houses inside the Black Forest fire zone Sunday. The fire is now 75 percent contained, and recent rains are helping firefighters. (Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post)

Her sister, who did not want her name published, described her fear from seeing the black smoke of the diesel truck while driving home.

"It's going to take me a while to not panic," she said.

Mac Rushing, a retired Denver cop who is now active-duty Army, returned home, fed the hummingbirds, checked on his neighbors' property and hoped that his neighborhood could come back.

"It's good it's still standing," he said. "Our home is here. Now, it's our time to help out the rest of the people."

Nancy Trosper believes her home and countless others were saved by two heroic acts — first, firefighters who dug a fire line on her land, and later when a neighbor put out a spot fire with a rake and hose.

"I feel very fortunate," she said after returning home. "The biggest thing is, Black Forest is such a beautiful community, and the people are brave. My heart goes out to everyone in the community."

Colorado fire updates

These are the latest conditions on wildfires around Colorado as of Monday:

• The Ward Gulch fire burned 485 acres three miles north of Rifle Gap Reservoir. The fire was first reported Friday at 11:30 a.m. and has not grown significantly since that day, according to a post on inciweb.org. The fire was 60 percent contained Monday, according to the site. The cause of the fire is believed to be lightning, officials said.

• The Big Meadows fire in Rocky Mountain National Park remained at an estimated 604 acres and was 95 percent contained, according to a post on inciweb.org

Closures continue for the Onahu Trail, the Green Mountain Trail and the lower Tonahutu Trail, according to the National Park Service website.

All major roads and facilities in Rocky Mountain National Park remain open, as are Grand Lake and Estes Park, according to the park site.

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